Art Exhibitions Program

Regular exhibitions in the Center's lobby Art Gallery showcase the work of locally- and nationally-known LGBTQ+ artists. Our exhibits, which  rotate with new bi-monthly shows, include opening receptions that usually take place at the start of each exhibition. Our mission is to encourage, support and celebrate the artistic expression and diversity of sexuality and gender expression through visual arts exhibitions produced by and about LGBTQ+ communities in the Greater Philadelphia area. 


Below you will see all of our current opportunities.

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Submit to Philly Queer Life Drawing Exhibition at William Way LGBT Community Center

Philly Queer Life Drawing Exhibition at the William Way LGBT Community Center

The William Way LGBT Community Center invites artists who have participated in Philly Queer Life Drawing to submit their work for consideration for an exhibition to be held at the center in May/June, 2025!

About Philly Queer Life Drawing

Philly Queer Life Drawing is a project to uplift trans, fat, disabled, Black and Brown bodies and to put money into the hands of queer folks. The project designs and builds sets for models to exist in and gives them a lively still life exploring themes of current events. The models get to see their bodies through the loving eyes of queer artists and also have an affordable and accessible space to build community. The artists conduct a structured schedule of poses starting with gesture drawing for one minute increments and ending with a 30-40 minute pose. In 2024, Philly Queer Life Drawing was awarded the Art and Change Grant from the Leeway Foundation.

About the William Way LGBT Community Center

The William Way LGBT Community Center seeks to engage and support the diverse LGBTQIA+ communities in the greater Philadelphia area through arts & culture, empowerment, and community connections.

About the Gallery: Since opening in 1976, the William Way LGBT Community Center has been committed to highlighting the work of LGBTQIA+ artists from the Philadelphia region, providing a vital platform for their creative expression. Each year, we produce at least six major exhibitions, including the Annual Juried Art Exhibition, that features approximately 50 local artists. Collaborations with our John J. Wilcox Jr. Archives offer artists a wealth of historical resources to inspire new work. Our exhibitions are enriched with supplemental programming, such as artist talks, discussions, and workshops, bringing in additional visitors and deepening engagement with the Center. Learn more about our gallery here.

Timeline:

  • Submission Deadline: EXTENDED! Thurs, April 10th, 11:59PM
  • Decisions to artists: Tues, April 15
  • Drop off of accepted work: Tuesday, April 22 
  • Installation: April 23 - May 7
  • Opening & Reception: Thursday, May 8, 6:00-8:00
  • Exhibition Closes: Thurs, June 26
  • Artwork Pickup: Tues, July 1, 4-8PM

Exhibition Details:

  • Eligibility: This exhibition is open to anyone who has participated in a Philly Queer Life Drawing event in the past or present. Eligible artwork includes any which was made during the life drawing sessions, or afterwards using the drawings as reference material (example: a painting made referencing a sketch from a life drawing session). There is no fee to apply or participate.
  • Medium: This exhibition will primarily feature works on paper, including sketches, charcoal, watercolor, pastel, etc. Other mediums (for example: collage, painting, printmaking, zines, etc) may also be submitted if made during Philly Queer Life Drawing or using reference materials from a Philly Queer Life Drawing session. Digital artworks that are accepted will be printed by Philly Queer Life Drawing.
  • Unframed submission: For this exhibition, all 2D artworks on paper under 18x24” can be submitted unframed. 
  • Sales: Artists included in the exhibition are encouraged to make their works available for sale. Sales of artworks will be handled by William Way LGBT Community Center. Artists will receive 65% of all sales, with 20% going to Philly Queer Life Drawing, and 15% going to the Center to support its Arts & Culture Programs. Artists should price their works accordingly. 
  • Curators: Brielle DuBose and De’von Downes from Philly Queer Life Drawing, and a member of the William Way LGBT Community Center Arts Committee